What optimism Everton bring into the 213th Merseyside derby is tempered by the knowledge they have not won at Anfield in 11 years, a miserable sequence that owes plenty to indiscipline. Eight red cards have been issued in the last 10 rounds of England's most contested derby – with Liverpool receiving only two – and Rafael Benítez has again stressed the need for heart and brains as his side embark on a demanding run that could have a major influence on their Champions League credentials. Liverpool and Everton, unbeaten in six and nine league games respectively, need no reminder of the game's importance. Andy Hunter